Description

Description: The biologically active amines, spermine, and agmatine, have specific functions on mitochondria which distinguish them from other amines. Polyamines, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine (SPM), are aliphatic cations that interact with nucleic acids and proteins, functioning as modulators for cell growth, cell differentiation, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) are primarily saturated fatty acids (FA) with a methyl branch or more on the carbon chain. BCFA are categorized as mono-, di-, or multi-methyl BCFA. BCFA modulate the biophysical properties of membranes in a manner similar to that of cis double bonds: both interfere with the ability of saturated FA to pack tightly to form rigid, high melting point extended structures, and thus reduce the phase transition temperature of membrane phospholipids.